#13 Bruce Pardy - Exploring Political Labels and Libertarian Philosophy

In this episode, host Shawn welcomes Bruce Pardy, a Professor of Law at Queen's University, as they delve into various political labels and philosophies within Canadian politics. They discuss the misalignment of political party names with their actual values and the definition of conservatism in Canada. Bruce critiques the underlying collectivism in conservative principles and emphasizes the importance of individual liberty, distinguishing between classical liberalism, libertarianism, and conservatism. The conversation also covers the potential for Alberta's independence, the role of morality in governance, and the limitations of laws. Finally, Bruce shares insights from his think tank, Rights Probe, and his Substack writings, advocating for a minimalist state that prioritizes non-coercion and individual freedom.

Book mentioned:

Ecolawgic: The Logic of Ecosystems and the Rule of Law

Ecolawgic: The Logic of Ecosystems and the Rule of Law, (Fifth Forum Press, 2015)

147 Pages Posted: 27 Sep 2015

00:00 Introduction: The Misleading Names of Canadian Political Parties

00:29 Guest Introduction: Bruce Pardy

00:57 Defining Conservatism in Canadian Politics

01:30 The Role of Socialized Medicine in Conservatism

03:30 Classical Liberalism vs. Conservatism

05:03 Libertarianism and the Use of Force

10:21 Government Propaganda and the Use of Tax Dollars

17:56 Libertarianism vs. Anarchism

23:26 The Role of Cultural Norms in Libertarianism

39:00 The Legitimacy of Laws and Libertarian Principles

41:39 Discussing Alberta's Independence

44:18 Historical Context of Prairie Provinces

44:44 Representation Issues in Canadian Politics

45:44 Quebec's Unique Position

51:07 Philosophical Debate on Beauty and Liberty

55:14 Critique of the Canadian Constitutional System

01:04:25 Libertarianism and Rights Probe

01:19:02 Concluding Thoughts on Governance and Liberty

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